<p>Gastrointestinal disorders, including gastric ulcers and ulcerative colitis, whose recurrence after treatment is a consensus among most researchers, have become a challenge in the field of treatment today. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs), which are zero-dimensional quasi-spherical nanostructures, exhibit remarkable water solubility, low toxicity, and straightforward synthesis. Furthermore, these carbon nanoenzymes have demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, positioning them as a highly sought-after research compound in the area of gastrointestinal diseases. This review aims to review the precursors, synthesis methods, properties, and molecular mechanism of CQDs, along with the analysis of common experimental models of ulcerative colitis. This review firstly evaluates the importance of green synthesis sources and the advantages and disadvantages of CQDs synthesis methods. Then, it focuses on characteristics of the size, absorption, photoluminescence, and application as biosensors. Next, with special emphasis on the induction mechanism of common experimental models of ulcerative colitis and gastric ulcers, it is discussed in order to better understand the therapeutic mechanisms of CQDs. Finally, the molecular mechanism of CQDs in protecting the digestive tract and improving gastric ulcers and ulcerative colitis is investigated, which can promise a bright future in the treatment of digestive disorders in the future.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>